Turks and Caicos Islands launches Border Force
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services in Turks and Caicos has taken a significant step forward in enhancing border security with the launch of the first phase of Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Border Force will see the transformation of the legacy Customs Department, Immigration Department, and Work Permit Unit, with all areas brought together to form one dynamic, responsive and flexible approach to managing TCI’s border protection. The threats to TCI’s borders have
grown significantly in recent years and transforming the way the borders are operated will put the TCI in a better position to be able to respond to threats and challenges while facilitating legitimate trade, visitors and residents. Leading the charge is the newly appointed Director General, Emilio Seymour, who will oversee the suite of changes being made over the next six months, and beyond. An evidence-based, redesigned structure will allow better targeting and flexing of resources, alongside a clear focus on customer service delivery, with three main operational areas; inland operations, port operations and a separate ‘services’ function – all underpinned and supported by a new Intelligence Unit. In the immediate future Border Force will deliver border protection services, and enforces the laws, across four of the Islands that comprise of the TCI. The new organisation is expected to be rolled out a number of phases over the year.